I'm looking at a 2001 c70 vert with 99k miles which I can get for $7k OTD. Car is silver w/black top and looks to be in excellent shape. Car drives extremely well.

I'm new to Volvos and have been madly looking for 04 saab 9-3 vert. This car seems a value at nearly half the cost.

What should I be looking out for with a c70 of this age? How dependable are these cars? Could I realistically get another 50k miles out of her? Can I use regular unleaded (car is an automatic with 2.3L L5 FI DOHC)

 

The usual with any used car, good records of repairs and maintenance. When test driving, make sure to check all dash lights and if possible read codes. 01, check ETM replacement, ABS module, top operation, front seat movement, windows, suspension component wear. Dash is also prone to having mounts break, good luck.

 

Excellant choice. The older models are much larger than the new c70s.

Be sure the timing belt has been changed along with the idler and tensioner.

check the roof mechisim works smoothly both up and down. Make sure the rear window is still well attached to the roof.

check the ball joints. They are at that age in life and you need to replace the entire A-arm assembly when they go.

Check the atf fluid to see if it is pink and does not smell burnt. The tranny can be a soft spot, but the fluid is kept clean, it really makes them last a long time.

Check to see if the turbo is leaking or has nasty sounds coming out. Not cheap the replace.

Do a carfax. All volvo services and any accidents will show up.

There is a bumper crop of c70s on the market right now for the money you are talking about. Wide array of colors. Do not jump for the first one you see.

And forget the Saab. The last decent model was the 9000. The newer ones are crap. Have several friends with them and most are not that impressed.